Waxahachie, Texas- January 31, 2016- Game 3: SAGU 8 Hillsdale Baptist 2 (W)
Coming off two wins on opening day, the Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Baseball team looked to continue their success against Hillsdale Freewill Baptist on day two. Starting game three of the four game set was junior captain Raul Castro . Castro would lead the Lions by going six innings with three strikeouts, zero walks, two runs and eight hits. Behind him was a solid defense that was relentless, turning two double plays in the game.
The Lion’s offense continued their production during game three, scoring eight runs in the game. Timely, patient hitting led the way as they scored in every inning besides the sixth.
Castro handed the ball off to sophomore Brett Carroll to close out game three. Carroll came in and struck out one. Once again, the defense flashed their leather, ending the game on a 6-4-3 double play.
Game 4: SAGU 15 Hillsdale Baptist 8 (W)
Looking for the series sweep, the Lions turned to junior Jake Clary . Clary would have some troubles in the first inning allowing 3 runs on 3 hits. However, the team battled back from an early 3-0 deficit scoring five in the second inning and three more in the fourth inning. Clary handed the ball off to freshman pitcher A.J. Munoz . Munoz would go 3+ innings with four strikeouts, two walks, three runs, and three hits.
There was plenty of leather flashing in game four as well. With a man on first and one out in the third inning, sophomore short stop Chris Wallace made a leaping grab of a line drive heading up the middle to centerfield, stopped and threw the base runner out at first for the inning ending double play.
Hillsdale, however, would not give up their fight as they tied the game at eight in the fourth inning. Heading into the bottom of the fourth the Lions found themselves in a 
dogfight. Castro would lead the offensive outpour from there. With a runner on Castro belted the season’s first home run over the left field fence. Not to be outdone, junior third baseman Maverick Keffer would add another two-run homerun that cleared the houses behind the left field fence. Walks and more timely hitting would add seven runs as the Lions fought back to take over the lead for good.
“That was an improved team,” head coach Sam Blackmon said about Hillsdale. “But I am extremely proud of our team for fighting and not giving up. This is a great way to start off the season.”
Top Players of the Weekend:
Raul Castro: 6ip 3k 0bb 2r 8h—7/11 2hr, 1 double, 8rbi
Jacob Keltner: CG 7ip 1bb 0r 2h
Maverick Keffer: 3/9, 1hr, 1 double, 6rbi
Jacob Payonk: 5/11
Jake Killion: 4/8
Story by: Stephen McNett
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
Contact: Natalie Tristan, Sports Information, [email protected]
